Is Marceline, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Marceline, MO — Water Quality Report
Marceline's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 16 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Marceline's water
Marceline ranks #98 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Marceline may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marceline, MO water safe to drink?
Marceline's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marceline
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marceline's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marceline's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marceline's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Linn County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Marceline Lake Near Marceline.
Where does Marceline's water come from?
Marceline's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Marceline Lake Near Marceline (lake).
What Marceline residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Linn County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marceline compares by contaminant
Explore where Marceline ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marceline's water comes from
Marceline's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marceline
Marceline is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Marceline
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARCELINE PWS | MO2010497 | 2,200 | SW |
How Marceline compares
Full Missouri rankings →Marceline's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Marceline, MO
Wikipedia →Marceline is a city in Chariton and Linn counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 2,123 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marceline's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Linn
Frequently asked questions
Is Marceline, MO tap water safe to drink?
Marceline's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Marceline's water?
Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Marceline's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Marceline?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marceline's water come from?
Marceline's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
What health violations has Marceline's water system had?
Marceline has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Marceline's water compare to other cities?
Marceline ranks #98 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 81% of state cities) and #2654 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marceline's small water system affect quality?
Marceline's system serves approximately 2,200 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 16 violations on record.